Scholarships, experience available for teen council members
Posted 1/6/2012 Updated 1/13/2012
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by Sarah Olaciregui
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
1/6/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Opportunity, experience and scholarships are just a few of the things that may result from participating in Hanscom's Teen Council, a program designed to increase and improve communication between senior leaders and teens, cultivate civic leadership and improve the quality of life for youth.
Organizers are looking for members to join and give a voice to the teen population. Many members of last year's council moved away, so positions are open for president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.
"This is a great opportunity for our teens," said Amy Wenrich, Youth Center program assistant. "It gives our youth a chance to build their college skills, share their voice and work on things they believe in."
In addition, Air Force dependent teens who serve on the council or are Keystone members have an opportunity to participate in the Youth Employment Skills (YES) program and earn up to $1,000 toward a college scholarship. The program, which is sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, allows junior staff to work at the Youth Center.
"YES program members have a chance to earn First Aid or CPR certifications and help out with other duties such as working at the snack bar," said Wenrich. "Most importantly, they will be building a resume and preparing for college."
Teen Council youth will also help build teen enrollment and programming at the Youth Center.
"Last year, the Teen Council sponsored a lock in," said Wenrich. "It was a huge success, so we'll do it again this year. We'll participate in a 'challenge' with another base, give away prizes and pass out incentives."
Those serving on the teen council must commit about an hour of time each week. The group plans to meet on Mondays or Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
The council will work, along with other teen councils across the country, on Air Force youth initiatives. This year's theme is "Air Force Teen Movement." The theme will include four components: College Knowledge, Steps to Success, Air Force Teens Give Back and Air Force Teens Reach Out.
The College Knowledge component will expose Air Force teens to college opportunities available and how to achieve the goal of attending college. Steps to Success is a program that will motivate and prepare teens for future job opportunities. The Air Force Teens Give Back initiative lets teens raise awareness for a cause. Finally, the Air Force Teens Reach Out portion gives teens a chance to be involved in their communities and helps develop connections and awareness of issues surrounding the base.
"We're looking for motivated teens who want to gain experience and may be looking for more extra-curricular activities to add to their college applications," Wenrich said.
Family members from all active duty branches, National Guard or Reserve units and retired military or civilian employees are eligible to participate. Council members must be in grades 9 through 11 and maintain grades of a C or better. Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Youth Center at 781-225-6043.
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